the night before Christmas — land trust edition

by Trevor George

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the ranch
The owls were hooting, each atop a large branch
The bats were hung in the barn in the back,
Preparing for flight and their evening snack

​The tools were nestled all snug in their shed,
While evidence of hard work clung to the shovel head
The well pump was resting, the water tank full
While the winter moon shined with a light that was dull

​The trails were used by animals all night
Land managers had installed cameras, just for this sight
Alone on the trail, a raccoon sauntered by
The trail camera clicked — a quiet, hidden spy

​When back in the orchard, there arose such a sound
The rodents perked up, heads out of the ground
The forest rang, and the deer dashed away
To escape whatever danger may come their way

​The wind in the trees caused a rustling this night
Leaves had been swirling, even taking flight
The rabbits had fled, but looked back across the creek,
To see what had caused such a loud shriek

​Heads to the sky, tails down low
A group of coyotes enjoyed the moon's glow
They howled and howled with all their might

​Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

---

Trevor is one of the Land Trust's stewardship project managers. He oversees the activities on our Russian River Watershed preserves in the northern part of Sonoma County. Trevor loves the rugged, wild terrain of this region and enjoys experiencing it while struggling up hills on a bike or chasing his crazy dog.

---